Shingle oak is a small to medium sized tree with a rather broad rounded crown. It is a member of the broad red oak group (red, black, blackjack, pin, northern pin and shingle), although when first observed, one would not guess that it is a oak tree. The leaves are not lobed, but are alternate, regular shaped, broadest near the middle with a slightly wavy margin, shiny dark green on the upper surface, with a less shiny lower surface. The leaf is tipped with a short slender bristle. The slender, dark green and shiny branches are tipped with multiple buds which are egg shaped, pointed at the tip, covered with closely overlapping, light brown scales. The bark on twigs is light brown, smooth and shiny; with age it becomes ridged, fissured and scaly when older. The fruit is an acorn maturing in two years, 1/2 inch long, rounded and covered about halfway with a turban-shaped cup. Shingle oak is a common tree of the central and eastern U.S. from Pennsylvania to northeastern Alabama and west as far as Kansas. It is a well adapted species, growing on a wide variety of sites from dry uplands to moist bottom lands. Shingle oak is a slow grower, but makes an excellent street or shade tree, attaining heights of 50 to 60 feet. Fall color is variable from reddish or yellow brown to dull brown. The leaves are more persistent than many other oak species. The wood is not distinguished from other red oaks. Settlers discovered that it split easily and could be used for shingles or shakes, thus its common name. The Shingle Oak is cold hardy to USDA Zone 4.